News, opinion and commentary

Should the treatments being tested in clinical trials be offered to cancer patients who are not participating in the trials?

Article Abstract:

The unavailability of experimental treatments to people with potentially fatal cancer has stirred a debate over the way clinical drug trials are conducted. Those who favor allowing more participation point out that allowing people to receive the therapy will not jeopardize clinical trials, may save lives and could provide more medical insight. Opponents point out that the reason clinical trials are effective screening sites for drugs is their very exclusivity, which allows researchers to be sure about the results they see.

Should affirmative action be abolished?

Article Abstract:

Two policy experts disagree sharply on the effects of and advisable future for government sponsored affirmative action programs. One contends that they have done little good for women or minorities, are unfair and discriminatory, and hurt the economy which is deprived by fiat of the most efficient allocation. The other argues that affirmative action has helped all groups in the US, that it enforces fairness, and that because discrimination still exists affirmative action programs are still needed.